Coillte and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have announced the expanded national deployment of monitoring technology, including enhanced aerial and drone capability, which will help teams in detecting forest fire outbreaks more quickly, pin-pointing ignition sites and supporting a faster emergency response.
This follows the Department of Agriculture status yellow fire warning issued on 19 March, which presents ongoing fire risk, remaining in effect through to September.
Both organisations are urging the public to act responsibly and be very vigilant outdoors ahead of the forest fire risk danger period, which was marked with a launch in the Wicklow mountains on Wednesday this week.
The organisations have said that in Ireland “forest fires rarely occur naturally and are almost entirely caused by human activity, including campfires, disposable barbecues or the burning of vegetation”.
Coillte said: “Since 2021, there has been over 300 fires on Coillte lands, causing damage to over 2,500 hectares of land.”
Accumulations of dead vegetation are currently present on the ground in many areas, which can result in fires igniting and spreading rapidly.
Risks
These fires pose health and safety risks to the public, emergency responders and to forest and NPWS staff, as well as damage to wildlife, biodiversity, protected habitats and recreational areas.
Additionally, people are reminded that burning growing vegetation on uncultivated land between now and 31 August is prohibited and an offence under the Wildlife Act.
Emphasising the importance of public support, communications manager with Coillte Pat Neville said: “Every year, we see the severe impact that man-made forest fires can have on forests, wildlife and local communities.
"In Ireland, these fires almost never start naturally; they come from simple actions like lighting barbecues, campfires or burning of agricultural lands and vegetation that quickly gets out of control. By being vigilant and avoiding any activity that could start fires in the outdoors, the public can play a crucial role in preventing fires."
Ann Fitzpatrick of the NPWS highlighted the effect of forest fires: “Illegal and uncontrolled fires are incredibly dangerous and can cause devastating damage to protected habitats, wildlife and species that may take years or even decades to recover.
"They also place firefighters, NPWS staff and emergency crews at great personal risk when responding to these incidents.”
Chief fire officer in Wicklow Aidan Dempsey urged the public to be careful if visiting recreation areas or national parks.
“Forest fires and wildfires can spread very quickly in current conditions, particularly in upland areas. Early reporting is critical, so if you see a fire, call 112 or 999 immediately. We are urging the public not to take any risks and to avoid any activity that could lead to a fire starting.”
Safety guidelines
Do not light fires outdoors around forests, parks or open land.Never attempt to tackle a fire yourself, it is extremely dangerous.Move all family or group members to a safe, fuel-free location, such as a car park or open space, positioned upwind of the fire.Call 112 immediately and report the fire and its location.Evacuate if instructed and follow all directions from emergency services.
Coillte and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have announced the expanded national deployment of monitoring technology, including enhanced aerial and drone capability, which will help teams in detecting forest fire outbreaks more quickly, pin-pointing ignition sites and supporting a faster emergency response.
This follows the Department of Agriculture status yellow fire warning issued on 19 March, which presents ongoing fire risk, remaining in effect through to September.
Both organisations are urging the public to act responsibly and be very vigilant outdoors ahead of the forest fire risk danger period, which was marked with a launch in the Wicklow mountains on Wednesday this week.
The organisations have said that in Ireland “forest fires rarely occur naturally and are almost entirely caused by human activity, including campfires, disposable barbecues or the burning of vegetation”.
Coillte said: “Since 2021, there has been over 300 fires on Coillte lands, causing damage to over 2,500 hectares of land.”
Accumulations of dead vegetation are currently present on the ground in many areas, which can result in fires igniting and spreading rapidly.
Risks
These fires pose health and safety risks to the public, emergency responders and to forest and NPWS staff, as well as damage to wildlife, biodiversity, protected habitats and recreational areas.
Additionally, people are reminded that burning growing vegetation on uncultivated land between now and 31 August is prohibited and an offence under the Wildlife Act.
Emphasising the importance of public support, communications manager with Coillte Pat Neville said: “Every year, we see the severe impact that man-made forest fires can have on forests, wildlife and local communities.
"In Ireland, these fires almost never start naturally; they come from simple actions like lighting barbecues, campfires or burning of agricultural lands and vegetation that quickly gets out of control. By being vigilant and avoiding any activity that could start fires in the outdoors, the public can play a crucial role in preventing fires."
Ann Fitzpatrick of the NPWS highlighted the effect of forest fires: “Illegal and uncontrolled fires are incredibly dangerous and can cause devastating damage to protected habitats, wildlife and species that may take years or even decades to recover.
"They also place firefighters, NPWS staff and emergency crews at great personal risk when responding to these incidents.”
Chief fire officer in Wicklow Aidan Dempsey urged the public to be careful if visiting recreation areas or national parks.
“Forest fires and wildfires can spread very quickly in current conditions, particularly in upland areas. Early reporting is critical, so if you see a fire, call 112 or 999 immediately. We are urging the public not to take any risks and to avoid any activity that could lead to a fire starting.”
Safety guidelines
Do not light fires outdoors around forests, parks or open land.Never attempt to tackle a fire yourself, it is extremely dangerous.Move all family or group members to a safe, fuel-free location, such as a car park or open space, positioned upwind of the fire.Call 112 immediately and report the fire and its location.Evacuate if instructed and follow all directions from emergency services. 
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